10 Stylish Pieces to Wear Under a Cardigan Sweater

Co-authored by Dina Scherer and Hannah Madden

Last Updated: February 17, 2022 References

Cardigan sweaters are comfy, cozy outer layers that you can wear almost all year long. Even if you only own one cardigan, you can mix and match your outfits by changing up what you wear underneath it. We’ve compiled some of the top ways you can style your cardigan to never run out of outfits. Keep reading for more style tips and inspiration!

1

Tank top

If it’s warm out, don’t add too much bulk underneath your cardigan. Throw on a form-fitting tank top, then cover your arms up with a thin, long cardigan.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.} Tank tops look great with thinner cardigans because there’s no extra fabric on your arms or your shoulders. Plus, if you get too hot, you can just take the cardigan off!^{[2]
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- Pair your outfit with jean shorts and sandals if it’s really warm, or try a pair of skinny jeans and sneakers if it’s only slightly warm.
- Add a statement necklace to draw attention to your upper body, and finish off your look with a large, structured handbag.

2

Fitted T-shirt

This is a classic way to style a cardigan for a casual occasion.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.} If you’re grabbing lunch with a friend or running errands, put on a fitted T-shirt and add a thin cardigan on top. The fitted nature of the T-shirt won’t add any extra bulk under your cardigan, so you can wear a waist-length or knee-length one without any worries. Pair your look with skinny jeans or cigarette pants to look put-together and stylish.^{[4]
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- To wear this outfit to the office, try tucking your shirt into a pair of dress pants.
- Pair your outfit with sneakers to keep it casual or ballet flats to get a bit more dressy.

3

Oversized T-shirt

Match the bulk of an oversized cardigan with an oversized T-shirt. If you’re rocking a larger, more fluffy cardigan, put on a T-shirt that’s just slightly too big for you. Tuck the excess fabric into your waistband, or tie it into a knot on the front of your shirt. Finish off your outfit with a pair of straight-legged jeans to match the bulk on the top half of your body.^{[5]
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- For a more modern take on this look, try wearing a band or graphic T-shirt.
- Pair this look with some chunky bracelets and a small backpack for all your essentials.
- Keep things casual with a pair of sneakers or some lace-up booties.

4

V-neck shirt

Show some skin in a long, bulky cardigan. If you’re worried about the length of your cardigan overwhelming your silhouette, balance it out by showing off some skin. Pick out a V-neck shirt to expose your collar bone and draw attention to your upper body.^{[6]
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Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Expert Interview. 24 August 2021.} Add a thin chain necklace and some dangly earrings to draw the eyes upwards and make you look taller.^{[7]
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- If you’re wearing a long cardigan, pair it with skinny jeans to maintain a long, thin silhouette. If you have a bulkier cardigan on, you can try wearing straight-leg or boot-cut pants.

5

Flowy blouse

A long cable knit cardigan pairs well with a satin blouse. Throw on a flowy blouse that hits around your waistline, then pair it with a chunky, long cardigan. Add a pair of skinny jeans or leggings to contrast with the bulk of fabric on your upper body, and throw on a pair of stud earrings to keep things classy and elegant.^{[8]
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- To dress this look up, wear a pair of over-the-knee boots. To keep it more casual, try sandals or loafers.

6

Button-down

Take your cardigan to the office with this business casual look. Put on a button-down shirt, then add a cardigan on top. To make it more professional-looking, pick a cardigan that buttons in the front so you can button it up at the office. Pair your outfit with slacks and dress shoes or heels to look appropriate at the office.^{[9]
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- If your button-down has a pattern on it, pick out a solid-colored cardigan so they don’t clash.
- To look even more professional, wear a tie underneath your cardigan.

7

Flannel shirt

Stay warm in the winter with multiple cozy layers. Put on a bright-colored flannel, like red, blue, or green. Pair it with a neutral-colored cardigan to look classy yet casual while you stay warm. Add a pair of dark wash jeans or a denim skirt to complete your look.^{[10]
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- This outfit goes well with boots or high-heeled booties.
- You can also add a scarf or a beanie to accessorize.

8

Turtleneck sweater

A thin turtleneck adds just the right amount of fabric. Throw on a turtleneck sweater, then add a cardigan on top (it can be thin or bulky—either style looks good with this outfit). Pair your look with a mini skirt and tights to show off your legs, or keep things casual with a pair of skinny jeans.^{[11]
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- Try to pick out a form-fitting turtleneck so you don’t overwhelm yourself with fabric.
- This outfit pairs well with boots and a long trench coat.

9

Zip-up jacket

This fashion-forward outfit works well with large, oversized cardigans. Throw on a thin zip-up jacket or hoodie, then zip it up all the way. Throw on your oversized cardigan and pair your outfit with skinny jeans or leggings. Top off your look with a pair of sneakers or heeled booties, depending on where you’re going that day.^{[12]
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- Bomber jackets also look great underneath oversized cardigans.
- Accessorize with simple earrings and a few chain necklaces.

10

Printed fabrics

If your cardigan is solid-colored, use your under layer as a statement. Go for florals, stripes, and polka dots to draw attention to your outfit and really make yourself stand out. You could also try animal print or paisley under a neutral-colored cardigan.^{[13]
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- If you’re taking your cardigan to the office, stick to small prints that aren’t overbearing. They’ll look more professional that way.

Expert Q&A

Question

What do you wear under a cardigan sweater?

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Dina Scherer

Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper

Expert Answer

It's more about how you vary the hemlines versus what you actually wear under them, actually. Some things that can look great under cardigans include lightweight t-shirts and turtlenecks.
Question

What do you wear under a big cardigan?

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Dina Scherer

Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper

Expert Answer

Since a cardigan sweater is typically longer and hits around your waist, it's important that whatever you wear underneath is not long as well, so it doesn't drag the eye down and make you feel very long in the torso.
Question

How do you wear sweaters without looking frumpy?

Dina Scherer
Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper
Dina Scherer is an Image and Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Modnitsa Styling, based in New York City. With over a decade of experience, Dina specializes in color analysis, style development, closet editing, and personal shopping. She helps her clients elevate their personal style and curate a wardrobe aligned with their lifestyle. Dina holds degrees in Advertising and Marketing, Fashion Merchandising, and a Certificate in Image Consulting from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Dina Scherer

Wardrobe Stylist & Personal Shopper

Expert Answer

I recommend either tossing something into your pants or leggings underneath or having a cropped length on your camisole or t-shirt so that your outfit looks balanced and your proportions are well defined.